Retirement of PRINCE2

Peoplecert decided to retire PRINCE2 version 5 and version 6 and from 1st of January, only version 7 is available

Retirement of PRINCE2
In previous articles, I mentioned that older PRINCE2 exam versions would be phased out, leaving PRINCE2 version 7 as the only officially recognized certification. This shift has significant implications for those interested in PRINCE2 credentials, especially concerning exam retirement dates and eligibility for the Practitioner exam under the new version.
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1. Key dates for retirement
Originally, the final date to sit for PRINCE2 version 5 and version 6 exams was set for July 31st. However, this has now been extended, and candidates will be able to take these exams until December 31st, 2024.
Important caution: If you are planning to schedule an exam towards the end of the year, keep in mind that December can be extremely busy. Last December, many exam sessions were fully booked, leaving no available time slots for proctored exams. Additionally, if you opt for the Take Two option, remember that your second attempt must also be scheduled before December 31st.
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2. Eligibility for PRINCE2 version 7 Practitioner
A frequent question is which certifications qualify individuals to go straight to the PRINCE2 v7 Practitioner exam. The following valid (generally not older than three years) certifications are acceptable prerequisites:
•   PRINCE2 v6 Foundation or Practitioner
•   PMP or CAPM
•   IPMA (any level)
•   Select other recognized project management certifications
What about PRINCE2 version 5?
In some regions—often where PRINCE2 v6 has not been translated—version 5 remains very popular. It also had a lower passing threshold (50% versus v6’s 55%), and the exam questions were considered easier according to Bloom’s taxonomy. However, PRINCE2 v5 certificate holders are not eligible to jump straight into the v7 Practitioner exam. Instead, they must begin with the PRINCE2 v7 Foundation exam, even if they already hold a PRINCE2 Practitioner credential from version 5.
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3. Recommendations
If you need a PRINCE2 certification soon and feel uneasy about version 7—perhaps because your training provider doesn’t yet offer v7 support—it might be wise to certify in PRINCE2 version 6 while it’s still available. You can then upgrade to version 7 later, ensuring you have a valid, recognized certification and a straightforward path to the new standard once you’re ready.
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By keeping an eye on exam retirement dates, understanding the eligibility rules, and planning your exam schedule well in advance, you can navigate the transition to PRINCE2 version 7 without unnecessary stress or last-minute surprises.